Wendel in a standup battle with Chatuba. Photo: Rogério Gomes
This Saturday evening in the Filadélfia gymnasium of the Brazilian city of Governador Valadares the promotion put on by black belt Sérgio Babu and businessman Léo Bandeura, Mega Kombat 1 took place. Boasting the biggest cage in Latin America (872 square feet), the event was considered a smashing success, with eight action-packed fights at a technically high level.
The first three fights marked the debut at central referee of Brazilian national Jiu-Jitsu champion and teacher Abi-Rihan, and the last five were overseen by seasoned referee and muay thai master Artur Mariano. Also in attendance were MMA stars Pedro Rizzo, Marlon Sandro and Glover Teixeira.
Claudio Coelho, Marlon, Glover and Rizzo were honored. Photo: Rogério Gomes
In one of the most heavily anticipated bouts of the night, favored-to-win André Chatuba (Minotauro Team / Relma) was defeated by Wendel Negão (Gracie Fusion – Evolve) by unanimous decision. Wendel fought a strategically sound fight and followed his corner’s instructions to the tee. The crowd rose to its feet in the second, when Chatuba sunk a snug arm-triangle, his team’s trademark move. But it was not enough.
Francimar Bodão (Nova União) defeated Argentina’s Jacko Quintana (Clube Pitbull) by desistance in round three. After Francimar landed solid takedowns and punished his opponent from the top, the Argentine ended up dropping out in the second.
Antídio celebrates. Photo: Rogério Gomes
In the evening’s main event, heavyweights Antídio Neto (Kaveira) knocked out Flávio Polonês (RVT) in the first round. The fighter imposed a frenetic pace with a takedown, guard pass and solid stream of strikes while his opponent was on all fours.
In other bouts, Gilvan Jr (BMK) submitted Carlos Peixoto (BTT) with a rear-naked choke in the third round, Celso Farpado (BMK) lost a unanimous decision to Gabriel Monkey (BTT), Daniel Azeredo Gelo (RFT) beat Wagner Araújo (Minotauro Team) by second round desistance. Pedrinho Nobre (BTT) submitted Peru’s Jerry Tolentino via rear-naked choke in the opening round, and Rafael Miranda (RFT) took a unanimous decision over Jamil Silveira (Nocaute – Nova União).
Check out the complete results
Mega Kombat 1
Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
July 24, 2010
Antídio Neto (Kaveira) defeated Flávio Polonês (RVT) via TKO in R1
Francimar Bodão (Nova União) defeated Jacko Quintana (Clube Pitbull) via TKo in R3
Jamil Silveira (Nocaute – Nova União) defeated Rafael Miranda (RFT) via unanimous decision
Wendel Negão (Gracie Fusion – Envolve) defeated André Chatuba (Minotauro Team- Relma) via unanimous decision
Pedrinho Nobre (BTT) submitted Jerry Tolentino via rear-naked choke in R1
Daniel Azeredo Gelo (RFT) defeated Wagner Araújo (Minotauro Team) via TKo in R2
Gabriel Monkey (BTT) defeated Celso Farpado (BMK) via unanimous decision in R3
Gilvan JR (BMK) submitted Carlos Peixoto (BTT) via rear-naked choke in R3